Chapter 259 - To an Unconventional Reality
—Yotsuya Development, creators of the virtual world. It could be said that there is no one in this day and age who does not know of this world-renowned small-scale enterprise.
Three years... no, it might be four if you go back to the announcement of their VR technology.
A small group of only a few people that suddenly started a business. It took less than a day for the technological revolution they proclaimed to capture the attention of the entire world.
No one could doubt the words of Yotsuya, who publicly declared the backing of multiple governments, and the realization of a virtual world was driven home to the people with almost violent certainty.
The announcement of virtual reality technology.
And the project proposal for the VR device, [Arcadia].
Many voices were raised around the world when their words led to the conclusion that this ark of the future was a device meant only to provide entertainment (games)...
But in the end, no one on Earth could complain to Yotsuya, whom the 'world' had openly taken a stance to protect.
The ordering and production of [Arcadia].
And the service launch of the VR game, Arcadia.
The small-scale enterprise that took an unstoppable step forward now continues to walk a path of supremacy with no followers, as the world's most authoritative small group—
"————............Uh, um... yes, I'm aware of all that. Yes."
"Oh, my sincerest apologies."
A ridiculously comfortable, fluffy large sofa that would put the ten seats at the Eastern Round Table to shame.
Black tea that carried a fragrant aroma on its steam without even having to be held, and nameless sweets that I could tell were expensive at a glance.
And, sitting on the sofa across the table, a dignified woman in her forties, with a man in his fifties standing attentively by the nearby wall.
Both of them are also beaming from ear to ear.
Now, I may have been called an 'ignoramus' countless times in the last two months, but I'm merely ignorant of the virtual world. Apart from information related to the game world of Arcadia, I have about as much knowledge of the great Yotsuya Development as the average person.
So, I politely indicated that the detailed corporate explanation wasn't necessary... The woman in front of me—the university's board chairwoman, Kunori-san—just laughed elegantly, remaining in an exceptionally good mood.
By the way, the man standing is the university president... or was it the chancellor? I've never paid much attention to how universities are structured so I'm not sure, but judging by their behavior, Chairwoman Kunori is clearly the more important one.
"My apologies, I seem to have gotten carried away... Oh, please, have some sweets. They're a recommendation from a shop I frequent—"
"Ah, no, yes, I will..."
............So, why am I being reverentially entertained with tea and sweets by an extremely excited royal madam—
Well, there's only one reason for this 'business.'
"I'm sorry for the wait, Kasuga-san. I believe our guest will be arriving shortly."
"Ah, no, yes, that's fine..."
I responded meekly to the words of the president or chancellor and took a sip of tea. I was too preoccupied to even taste it; all I could register was that it was 'hot,' I'm afraid.
So, I'm currently waiting in this intermediary space prepared by the university for the other party—that is, the envoy from Yotsuya Development.
As an aside, Mizuki, who offered to drive me here, waved with a distant look in her eyes and said, 'Take care,' yet again. I'd appreciate it if she'd stop with the dramatic 'final farewell' routine.
Anyway, I've been waiting in this strange space for a good fifteen minutes. I was starting to feel inwardly exhausted, hoping to avoid any more mental fatigue before the main event—and at that moment,
"————!"
A knock echoed through the room.
Unlike me, who instinctively held my breath, the two of them, despite their high spirits, were perfectly composed. The president (?) headed for the door, and I hastily stood up, following the lead of Chairwoman Kunori who had risen from the sofa.
Peeking through the opened door was another unfamiliar woman. Judging by their exchange, she seemed to be an escort; the real guest was the one who appeared from behind her—
"—Excuse me."
This must be the person.
The one ushered into the room was a young man in his mid-twenties. He embodied the 'perfectly ordinary salaryman,' with a suit that fit him well.
He had neat, short-cropped black hair and eyes of the same color. All in all, one would have to say he lacked distinct features... but his remarkably composed gaze hinted at his caliber.
Ordinary, yet somehow not ordinary. Unfathomable—that was my slightly rude impression of the man as our eyes met and he stared intently at me.
While I was frozen in place, the man averted his gaze and exchanged words with Kunori-san. After a brief exchange of greetings, welcomes, and thanks—
"Well then—a pleasure to meet you, Haru Kasuga-kun."
Only the two of us remained in the room.
He held out his right hand without hesitation, and as I mechanically responded, he said,
"I am Chitose Kazuha, representative assistant for Yotsuya Development."
Likely the number two at the world-famous Yotsuya.
Representative Assistant Chitose smiled brightly, looked me straight in the eye, and said.
"—I've come for you, Acrobat."
This is the guy who was super nervous around a princess!!!!!